Enough About Santa, Who’s the Woman Behind the Man?

We always hear about the big cuddly Santa Claus but usually, when men are that successful, we really need to look at the woman behind them. So, let’s take a look at Mrs. Claus. Did she exist? Who was she? And what do we know about her? Well, apparently, it was a James Rees who founded her in 1849 in a book he wrote entitled ‘Mysteries of City Life.’ In the book, Rees looked the Christmas legend and through this developed the persona of Mrs. Claus, who he called Gertrude. Since then however, she has been lovingly known as Jessica.

So it seems, Jessica, Gertrude, aka Mrs. Claus is worthy of a mention. Over the years the woman behind the man has made a variety of literary appearances including in the very well-documented and famous Yale Literary Magazine. As well, if you look through the archives you can find her Good Housekeeping as well as Harper’s Magazine.

We say keep it coming. It’s all very well Santa goes down many chimneys to deliver presents to lots f little kids but it’s Mrs. Claus who has to make the dinner at home and wait for her hubby to return – hopefully in one piece – to join her for their best holiday of the year!

James Fishman has been involved in the world of online magazines for more than 15 years. He helped launch Sunstone Online and continues to improve the magazine as site editor and administrator. His writing focuses primarily business and technology. To be in touch with James, feel free to contact him at james[at]sunstoneonline.com.